Campaigners fighting to prevent the sale of a church-owned community centre in south Liverpool started an occupation of the building on Saturday.

Community activists say they want to keep Bankfield House in Banks Road in Garston, open for the local community.

They claim their views are being ignored by newly-appointed trustees.

Property owner, the Church of England, said it could not afford to maintain the building and subsidise the centre. A public meeting is planned next week.

Source (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/merseyside/4278490.stm)

Bankfield House has been in an awful state ever since I can remember almost 20 odd years ago we used to knock about around it.

The building looks bad :sad:

http://www.liverpoolviews.co.uk/south/garston/gars951.jpg

http://www.liverpoolviews.co.uk/south/garston/gars952.jpg

Thanks for the pics Dave, I drove past it today and thought about getting pics.

What is it at risk from exactly? Does anyone know? I'd rather have it smartened up by a new owner than left in its present state.

You should ask for an interview and post the comments on this forum, Kev.

:nod:

:slywink: Bet you didn;t have todrive to take them pictures.

What did people do in that house? Play pool and stuff with members of the community.

When we were kids Max, we would play footy behind the 'house', but of course the pitch now is a tarmac/ rubble mess, resembles a dumping ground now.

Won't mean much to most of u but local and close to my heart:

MORE than 100 years of tradition ends today when Garston Leather closes down.

Almost 40 workers, some with nearly 40 years' experience at the King Street site, will leave work for the last time for an uncertain future after the Scottish parent group announced it was axing the business it bought in 1998.

Leather factory worker Kenny Roberts said it would be an emotional experience for the workforce, many of whose families have worked there for generations.
http://a248.e.akamai.net/6/592/1130/0/oas-eu.247realmedia.com/0/TrinityMirror/default/empty.gif (http://oas-eu.247realmedia.com/5c/icliverpool/news/regionalnews/756987666/x60/TrinityMirror/default/empty.gif/35363863333262353433343264386230)
He said the plant was previously owned by the Boston family and the family spirit extended to the shop floor.

"Lots of Garston families have worked here," said 52-year-old Mr Roberts.

" The Williamsons, for example, had eight or nine brothers working for the company," added Mr Roberts, from Clavell Road, Garston.

As part of the closure process staff have been inter-viewed by recruitment specialists, including the local Jobs, Education and Training (Jet) Centre.

Mr Roberts said: "We had to fill in a CV and it was only then, when it asked for my work experience, that I realised that this is all I have done all my life.

"I left school and this is the only job I have ever had. I have worked here for 36 years."

The original owners are still in touch with the workforce and Nicholas Boston even gave Mr Roberts money to put towards a farewell drink for the workforce.

But he admitted: "I think we're probably going to put it on a Lottery lucky dip instead and try our luck."

New owners are said to have told staff they were shutting the plant as it was not making money.

A spokesman for Paisleybased Scottish Leather said the closure was for "economic reasons" due to a downturn in sales and exports.

When Scottish Leather bought Garston Leather seven years ago it was one of the biggest producers in the UK, handling about 12,000 hides per week.

The factory provided hides for the automotive, furniture, shoe and fancy leather goods industries.

Highs and lows . . .

THE Garston Tanning Company was founded in 1899 and employed hundreds in its heyday - almost 500 in 1979.

It was one of the largest producers of leather upholstery for the European car trade and in 1971 installed one of the largest tannery drums in the world.

The tide turned in the industry in the late 1970s and jobs disappeared as foreign manufacturers snapped up the lion's share of raw materials.

Source (http://icliverpool.icnetwork.co.uk/0100news/0100regionalnews/tm_objectid=16221551%26method=full%26siteid=50061% 26headline=end%2dof%2dan%2dera%2das%2dcity%2dleath er%2dworks%2dshuts-name_page.html)

:sad: How times do a change,and another ones gone,and then there were none.
I feel sorry for the workers,the old faithfull and loyal servants you have served me well,now sod off,blinking terrible but a sign of the times.:$ik: :$ik:

Crappy Jimmy but all is not lost, maybe no consolation but a stones throw away the Estuary Park is booming with new factories being built and units etc.

Here (http://icliverpool.icnetwork.co.uk/0100news/0200businessnews/tm_objectid=16216158%26method=full%26siteid=50061-name_page.html)

My dad who is looking for a job at the moment has never had such a choice!

We have lost so much of our manufacturing industry over the last 25 years which offered reasonably paid permanent full-time employment to so many giving them security and stability in their lives. This has regretably been replaced by a service sector economy offering low paid, temporary, and part-time employment. I am sure it is no coincidence that this has been accompanied by an increase in all manner of social problems in our society. :sad:

:angry: Crappy i may well be,but it doesn't alter the facts,one by one the manufacturing industries of Garston are closing down for ever,to be replaced by a service sector economy.Hope the displaced workers are both young enough and skilled enough to get one of these jobs.

I don't think Kev was calling you crappy, Jimmy, he was describing the situation of the workers. I'll try and get some pictures of the factory later.

Crappy Jimmy but all is not lost,

Jimmy I hope you have not taken offence at that comment which didnt mean to be read as 'Crappy Jimmy'. I forget sometimes that because its the net we dont have to type in full sentences, punctuated too!

The situation is 'crappy' was all I meant, soz mate :PDT1thanks Dave for spotting that.

'Scuse me for laughin', but I found this misunderstanding hilarious, I've seen pub fights started for less... Still chuckling. Sorry lads, it's my sick sense of humour!:lol: :lol:

;) Thanks Dave and Kev too. No offence taken, I do get up on my high horse from time to time, sorry. Best regards jimmy.

;) Thanks Dave and Kev too. No offence taken, I do get up on my high horse from time to time, sorry. Best regards jimmy.

No problem Jimmy, :). Friends again? Good :nod:

Scousemouse, if it brought a smile to your face, then the misunderstanding was worth while. :) :)

Thanks, Jimmy :) :)

http://www.liverpoolviews.co.uk/south/garston/leather1.jpg

http://www.liverpoolviews.co.uk/south/garston/leather2.jpg

http://www.liverpoolviews.co.uk/south/garston/leather3.jpg

http://www.liverpoolviews.co.uk/south/garston/leather4.jpg

I often drive around there Dave, very sad. Buildings like that need to be preserved

A nice line in gas bottles in that last picture!

:disgust:

A nice line in gas bottles in that last picture!

:disgust:

Ready to go boom!

:) Thanks for the photos Dave, the building should be preserved, a fine example of industrial architecture. Still a few nice buildings around Garston, hope to see whats left of them come November.

Are you back home? Yes, garston is changing a lot. The old bus station is being turned into homes and I noticed on my way to work that the old garston baths, which has been knocked down, has diggers in them! I wonder what is happening now! Anything is better than derelict land.

:) Will be back home 12th November. From what you say Kev Garston certainly is a changing,I wonder if the old Garston families will be able to afford all these new homes being built,or do they move away?

I think what I've found more impressive Jimmy is the investment and job creation in the Garston/ Speke area as a whole recently.

Certianly when I was growing up around Garston there was nowt. Empty old airport, poor shopping facilities and the creation of The Flyover made things worse. Shops in the village closed and have laid empty, the baths closed which I used every weekend and throughout the summer hols.

Things are happening, though I'm sure the building of various 1/2/3 bed townhouses and apartments would not be for the best interests of oridinary families in Garston sadly. Under the bridge is slowly being flattened to allow for regeneration, but very slowly.

Under the bridge is slowly being flattened to allow for regeneration, but very slowly.

Very slowly - picture of Saunby Street.

http://www.liverpoolviews.co.uk/south/garston/underga.jpg

And a picture looking down King Street towards the village.

http://www.liverpoolviews.co.uk/south/garston/underga1.jpg

The sooner theyre down the better Dave

:) Nice photoes Dave, my Dad grew up in Saunby street, what will replace them,more houses?

The sooner theyre down the better Dave

Hope the pub stays though!:unibrow:

Developers have finally lodged plans to demolish 500 crumbling terraces in Garston's Under The Bridge estate and replace them.

The £50m project will build more than 300 properties, more than one-third to be rented from a housing association. :PDT11

Some of the estate is boarded up and bulldozers have already started pulling down century-old terraces.

Building work should begin on the first homes in January if Liverpool council approves the plan. (Who knows what will happen there *Rolls eyes)

Steve Collins, director of property at South Liverpool Housing, said the aim was to completely transform Garston Under The Bridge.

"This area has a combination of problems. It consists of very unpopular two-up, two-down terraces with no gardens, so the housing market has collapsed.

"There are also problems with anti-social behaviour, while residents feel these homes are not suitable for 21st-century living.

"However, the community wants to stay together so there will be no large-scale movement.

"There will be phased building programme, so homes will first be built for people living there for them to move into.

"A considerable amount of demolition is going on and we hope to start digging the first foundations in January."

The area to be demolished is bounded by Banks Road, Window Lane, Vulcan Street and King Street - known as the Ship Streets and the Raglan estate - plus a neighbouring site on Church Road.

The new estate will have more than 280 two-bedroomed bungalows and three to four-bedroom family homes, and 26 flats.

South Liverpool Housing will also set up jobs and training for residents on the back of the building programme.

Garston councillor Paula Keaveney, who lives in the Under The Bridge estate, said: "We are hoping for some lovely new houses and a chance for people who have had to move out to come back.

"There has always been a strong community spirit, but the deterioration in housing and anti-social behaviour have chipped away at it.

"As people start moving out and demolition takes place, we are concerned that the estate will start feeling more unsafe, so we must work with the police to make sure that does not happen."

nick.coligan@liverpool.com

Read: Council joins in Bankfield battle (http://icliverpool.icnetwork.co.uk/0100news/0100regionalnews/tm_objectid=16244027%26method=full%26siteid=50061% 26headline=council%2djoins%2din%2dbankfield%2dbatt le-name_page.html)

Police divers were searching the River Mersey on Saturday after reports that a car had plunged into the water.

Underwater search teams were called to Garston Docks early in the morning after someone working at the docks alerted the police.

The force was told a red-coloured car was seen plunging into the river at about 0830 BST.

Diving teams were carrying out an extensive search of the area to see if they could find the vehicle.

Source (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/merseyside/4344664.stm)

Wonder if they found anything?!

:shock:

Don't know but I di see the hekylopter at 9am over the scene :ninja:

Might find out in the Echo or Post on Monday. :cry:

Wonder what made it plunge in the water?

Possible suicide?

The car was empty and was probably dumped there by car theives,it's a pity they wasn't in it.:unibrow:

The car was empty and was probably dumped there by car theives,it's a pity they wasn't in it.:unibrow:

Oh dear, what a pitty

LIVERPOOL celebrities are the latest supporters trying to save a threatened community centre in Garston. Les Dennis, who was born in the area, heads the group of stars campaigning to stop the bulldozers demolishing Bankfield House.

Actresses Pauline Daniels and Margi Clark, crooner Neville Skelly, writer John Forde and poet Dave Kirby are performing at a fundraising night.

Other invitations have been sent to Gerry Marsden, Ricky Tomlinson, newsreader Peter Sissons, sports commentator Alan Parry, John Aldridge and John Parrott.

Bankfield House is facing closure after Church of England leaders decided it was unsafe.

Campaigners have been staging a round-the-clock sit-in for the past five weeks to try to save it from the axe.

Garston councillors have recently joined their cause and will present a motion to Liverpool council tomorrow.

Tomorrow's evening of entertainment at the Woodcutter Social Club has been organised as a thank you by LA Productions who are shooting a film near Window Lane.

Karim's Story is based on a Pakistani family from Bradford and a scene for the Channel 4 film will take place in Garston.

The film company contacted the celebrities who were keen to raise money for the threatened centre.

Campaigner Terry Dooley said: "With so much opposition against shutting Bankfield, I can't see how the church can go ahead." Nikki Bonner, from LA Productions, said: "Les Dennis is a Mudman, he's from Under The Bridge. It's great that he's not forgotten his roots."

The event starts at 7.30pm and tickets are selling fast.

Kev! Why are Garstonians called 'Mudmen'?

Kev! Why are Garstonians called 'Mudmen'?

Is it because of their proximity to the Docks area?

:) Mudmen of Garston, I think the name derives from the days of sail, ie Mersey Flats as they where called {sailing barges} used to carry the coal from Garston to the iron and steel works either side of the river, and in the hard times era men used to go out to the sand banks {mudbanks} and collect the coal which had been washed from the decks of the sailing flats during rough weather, thats what I believe was the reason why Garstonians where called {Mud men} maybe they should have been called Madmen, because of the river being ever so dangerous.;)

http://uk.geocities.com/g.woodcutters@btinternet.com/Les2.jpg

Les supports Bankfield House' cause.....

http://uk.geocities.com/g.woodcutters@btinternet.com/JohnLes.jpg

Aldo....

I had an email from The Webmaster (Garstonlad) from the Garston Woodcutters website: Here (http://www.garston-woodcutters.co.uk/)

MONEY from the sale of a threatened community centre in Garston is to be ploughed back into the area.

The Bishop of Liverpool said he did not have the authority to save Bankfield House.

But responding to a two-month sit-in staged by campaigning residents, the Right Reverend James Jones said proceeds from any eventual sale should be ploughed back into Garston.

Following a meeting with campaigners, Bishop Jones called for discussions about ways to save the site.

But he said he lacked the authority to order the Parochial Church Council, which manages the centre, to keep Bank-field open.

Story continues (http://icliverpool.icnetwork.co.uk/0100news/0100regionalnews/tm_objectid=16318918%26method=full%26siteid=50061% 26headline=i%2dcan%2dt%2dhelp%2dsave%2dbankfield%2 dhouse%2d-name_page.html#story_continue)

Funny enough,
the bishop of liverpool is saying that and then local residents have had a letter from Frank Roderick:

People in Garston Under the Bridge have recently had letters from Councillor Frank Roderick regarding the Labour Party use of the Bankfield house situation as a " easy party political slogan". He also states that he and a fellow LibDem Councillor have written to the Bishop of Liverpool to ask him to stop the Church closing Banky and he is raising Banky's case through the City Council.

It seems he just missed the boat doesn't it, bad timing Frank (how coincidental).

A £15,000 windfall could clear the way for a scheme which could save Bankfield House in Garston.

The donation comes courtesy of former mayor Cllr Frank Roderick, ward member for Garston, who selected the centre last year as one of his three chosen charities.

More (http://icliverpool.icnetwork.co.uk/0100news/0100regionalnews/tm_objectid=16346597%26method=full%26siteid=50061% 26headline=ray%2dof%2dhope%2dfor%2dcharity-name_page.html)...

Kev i know this will interest you,

Garston CofE school is to close, i have just found out.
I have put this in the local developments forum because i think this is going to be a future development to do with the South Liverpool Parkway that is being built on the old South Liverpool Football ground. Mark my words this will end up being used for that new tram line i bet you.
The reason for closing the school is because not enough children are attending it.

I have said it before and i will say it again, the people in charge of this city will trample on anything and anyone to get their way.

Kev i know this will interest you,

Garston CofE school is to close, i have just found out.
I have put this in the local developments forum because i think this is going to be a future development to do with the South Liverpool Parkway that is being built on the old South Liverpool Football ground. Mark my words this will end up being used for that new tram line i bet you.
The reason for closing the school is because not enough children are attending it.

I have said it before and i will say it again, the people in charge of this city will trample on anything and anyone to get their way.
Bloody 'ell (pardon my french) :sad: My old school :tear: It was to close a few years ago until it was saved. I really thought it had a future. I cant tell u enough what that place means to me :sad::tear:

School website: Here (http://www.garstoncofe.eazschools.org/)....

There is a Garston Neighbourhood Committee meeting, regarding the traffic regulation order for the new South Liverpool Parkway entrance roads.

These plans are going to make the lives of local residents an absolute misery and traffic in the area an absolute nightmare unless the plans are rebuffed.

The result of the new plans will also be traffic congestion in Garston and a knock on effect up Speke Boulevard.

The meeting is taking place in Garston Urban Village Hall, Banks Road, Garston on Thursday December December 8th 2005 at 5.30 pm.

Local people please go along and support the residents and common sense.

What are the plans from the residents? Do they want a simple rethink and a change?

:)

Yep, that is literally what they want Kev.
All in all they just want to have some consideration given to them and also to the impact that this new road layout is going to have on their quality of life.

It smacks of hypocrisy when Peter Millea spouts on about car free days in the city and such like, yet here in his own district he is proposing for cars to stop at traffic lights by the steps on Woolton Road facing the site and increase the pollution for the residents.
Also due to the road layout they won't be able to have deliveries to their homes. Companies are already refusing to deliver so they don't stand a chance when the traffic lights get put in at the bottom of the steps.

Emergency vehicles will also find it hard because they won't be able to stop on traffic lighted junction near to the access steps but these so called educated people who run our city don't seem to think about these things.

A 10-WEEK sit-in to save a Liverpool community centre has failed after the Church of England ordered campaigners out within the week. more (http://icliverpool.icnetwork.co.uk/0100news/0100regionalnews/tm_objectid=16439582%26method=full%26siteid=50061% 26headline=sit%2din%2dfails%2dto%2dsave%2dcommunit y%2dcentre-name_page.html)

I went to the Area Committee meeting in Garston the other night and it is true that there is a proposal to close the school due to falling pupil numbers. The fact that half of Garston has yet to be rebuilt seems ti escape these people who make these decisions.
I think it is more than a coincidence that the church have closed Bankfield house and now want to close CofE school.
Maybe the chance to sell the land to Merseytravel for the South Liverpool Parkway is to good an opportunity to miss. Considering that the footbridge that has been built on the site goes right up to the school fence !!!!!

The parents of some pupils have tried to get places for their children at other local schools only to be told they are full. Where does this leave the children if the school closes?

The other schools will have to take 'em. They cannot say no under those circumstances I'm sure.The authority cannot leave parents in the lurch they will have other arrangements for them.

I was thinking about CofE yesterday, how sad that the best times of my childhood were spent in the school and hanging around with my very good friends who went there too. That, of course was made much better by the wonderful Mres Lester :p

A good ten years ago I revisited the school as a student. I couldnt believe how small everything was :sad: The hours our parents used to put in for the fairs and trips out!

Today, parents and church leaders launched a campaign to save Garston CofE primary, which has stood at the heart of the community since 1716 and is the last remaining school of its kind in the area.

http://www.mersey-gateway.org/pastliverpool/galleries/schools/gallery/classroom/images/medium/c22.jpg
1965

Liverpool council, which provides the funding, says the school in Holman Road is losing pupils and has been in slow decline for years.

But residents are determined not to give in without a fight.

The school's future was first thrown into doubt four years ago when the council said falling numbers meant it would have to close.

The community, including the local church and parents, mounted a campaign, collecting a 5,000-name petition, and eventually won a reprieve.

Today, a second campaign has been launched by the local people who helped to fund the existing school building.

Former pupil Lin Boyd, of Halewood, now a school governor, sent both her children to Garston CofE.

She said: "The school has a great deal of potential and a lot to offer our children both now and in the future.

"It is extremely important this school remains in the area as there are no other schools supporting a CofE education within the close vicinity."

Headteacher Rick Widdowson added: "This school is very special. It is like one big happy family.

"The school fills a large place in the community and although the numbers are low at the moment we are confident we can rise again."

The vicar of St Michael's Garston, the Ven Bob Metcalf, said the school was "crucial to the life of the community".

David Johnston, from the diocese of Liverpool, said: "Nothing will be decided about Garston until a full process of consultation has taken place with everyone concerned."

It is proposed that the school will close at the end of the summer term next year. A final decision will be taken in March.

Colin Hilton, executive director of children's services at Liverpool council, said: "Several years ago the council was persuaded to give Garston CofE School more time to implement a plan of recovery. At the time, it was stressed failure of the recovery plan would mean the school's future would have to be reviewed."

He added parents would have "every opportunity" to be involved in the consultation.

janewoodhead@liverpoolecho.co.uk

School's history

GARSTON claims the title of oldest school in the city, even though The Blue Coat school opened in 1708, as it has offered continuous education since 1716.

During its early years the school was in Kettlenook before moving in 1866 to Banks Road where it remained until July 1964. In 1962 a Buy A Brick scheme was launched to help to fund the building of a new school with families pledging six pence a week. They raised £10,000.

The council says:

"THE school was given a recovery plan several years ago. Regrettably, this has not worked. In the past three years, the number of children on roll has continued to decline, reducing to 81.

"Following an inspection by Ofsted in September a number of weaknesses were identified and the school was given 'Notice to Improve'."

The diocese says:

"IF the school were closed now we would lose the last remaining Church school in the area. It must be saved, not only for the children who benefit from it today, but also for future generations."

This school can't close.
One of the reasons it has had falling pupil numbers is due to the regeneration in Garston. People have been moved out, houses knocked down and nothing re-built. The ground preparation is planned for January according to the Garston Area Committee.

It seem strange that the Church is hell bent on closeing everything that the community built, i.e Bankfield House, the community raised money for the building of this and now Garston C of E school, the community took part in a buy a brick campaign, it is beyond comprehension that we start shutting our schools.

It definately has something to do with that Liverpool South Parkway if you ask me. They want the land, the footbridge goes right up to the school fence.

The oldest school in Liverpool - I never knew that :shock: Something to be proud of.

No - I agree this school, my old primary school, cannot close :sad:

One thing mate - what parts of Gartson have been knocked down and not rebuilt? If you are talking about under the bridge then that doesnt effect Garston C of E area does it? Only Banks Rd/ Holy Trinity.

Kev, Banks Road & Holy Trinity have said that they could not accommodate the kids from C of E, this leaves them with Springwood which is due to merge with Harold Magney in Woolton i think, so imagine what will happen when they rebuild under the bridge and new families want to send their kids to a localish school.

We are only under the bridge kev, not on the moon (ok well some of us aren't on the moon) :unibrow:

There is also a proposal for new flats/apartments on the site of the old Garston Baths, the possibility of more families. This doesn't even include the properties that are being built on the old bus depot !!!

Kev, Banks Road & Holy Trinity have said that they could not accommodate the kids from C of E, this leaves them with Springwood which is due to merge with Harold Magney in Woolton i think, so imagine what will happen when they rebuild under the bridge and new families want to send their kids to a localish school.

We are only under the bridge kev, not on the moon (ok well some of us aren't on the moon) :unibrow:

There is also a proposal for new flats/apartments on the site of the old Garston Baths, the possibility of more families. This doesn't even include the properties that are being built on the old bus depot !!!

Yep, good point. The families that are going to be there will need a school like Garston C of E. Gald to see the baths under development hopefully soon, again though, they should never have closed it, every saturday morning we used to Break The Jelly (ie) be the first to jump in!!

THE company that carries out Liverpool council house repairs and street cleaning has opened a £20m business support centre at the Matchworks in Garston.

Enterprise has taken 20,000 sq ft at the Urban Splash development and will take on more than 200 people to handle its growing outsourcing operations.

As well as the contracts with the city council, the centre also operate contracts in the insurance, education and central government sectors.

Members of Enterprise's Board and Liverpool civic leaders will visit the new centre today to meet members of the new workforce, many of whom have been recruited locally through South Liverpool JET (Jobs Education and Training).

Recruitment is continuing and by April next year more 150 people will have been taken on, with 220 expected to have joined the centre - which operates on a 24/7 basis - by the end of 2006. http://a248.e.akamai.net/6/592/1130/0/oas-eu.247realmedia.com/0/default/empty.gif (http://oas-eu.247realmedia.com/5c/icliverpool/business/regionalnews/1797266144/x60/default/empty.gif/35363832393163383433613032646230)

A business unit has been set up to operate out of the Matchworks centre, called Enterprise Customer Support Solutions, which provides customer relationship management and business support solutions to the public, private and utilities sectors.

Since establishing its new Liverpool base, Enterprise has won two Government contracts worth in the region of £120m per annum for seven years.

Enterprise chief executive Jack McGrory said: "We are delighted to have set up in Matchworks, a flagship site that will support the growth of our business over the coming months and years.

"We chose Liverpool to host our expansion over a number of locations due to the proximity to our head office in Lancashire and the availability of suitably skilled staff within the region.

"This will further enhance our presence in the city and will supplement our role as an official partner in the European Capital of Culture in 2008 (http://www.liverpoolcultureclub.com/)."

Business Liverpool worked with Enterprise since late 2004 to bring this project to Liverpool and has offered an ongoing support programme to the company.

The Northwest Development Agency provided financial support to help bring the company to the city.

The company is set to benefit from Selective Finance for Investment in England, a scheme that supports capital investment projects that lead to improvements in productivity, skills and employment.

Mark Hughes, NWDA executive director of enterprise, innovation and skills said: "The attraction of new businesses to the region is an important economic driver, improving investor confidence as well as being a major source of wealth and job creation.

"The NWDA is pleased to have been able to offer financial assistance to Enterprise plc to support their new operation in Liverpool."

tonymcdonough@dailypost.co.uk


:PDT11

This is good news.
I thought that Vertex who handle calls for Vodafone were in the old matchworks though and they employ hundreds.

It is good news, u want to see the hooj car park that they have created at the back for th workers. Its very nice and clean at the mo.

ANGRY campaigners are refusing to leave the closed community centre Bankfield House. more (http://icliverpool.icnetwork.co.uk/0100news/0100regionalnews/tm_objectid=16516798%26method=full%26siteid=50061% 26headline=we%2dre%2dstaying%2din%2dour%2dcommunit y-name_page.html)

Go for it guys, don't let them take you alive :disgust:

A 10-WEEK sit-in to save a Liverpool community centre has failed after the Church of England ordered campaigners out within the week.

By chance, the Church of England wouldn't have a stable and a manger available, would they? Where the heck are the three wise men?

RIOT, RIOT, RIOT.:evil: :PDT11

COUNCILLORS have agreed to start asking the public if Liverpool's oldest primary school should close.

Parents, teachers and other schools will be consulted on the future of Garston primary.

The decision was made by Liverpool council's education select committee last night.

Save our School Committee had met this evening and is really positive. the school has the support of local councillors Peter Millea and Frank Roderick.
A PUBLIC MEETING WILL BE HELD ON 8 FEBRUARY 2006 AT 6.30 AT THE SCHOOL - ALL THE COMMUNITY MUST ATTEND. It is very important that we let the council and Diocesan officials know just how strong our feelings are.

The Committee asks that the whole community, old pupils and teachers etc (however far away you are) writes or preferably e-mails the Liverpool Echo, the Diocese of Liverpool Board of Education, The Royal Family...anyone and everyone.

In the words of Councillor Frank Roderick "THE SCHOOL MUST STAY"!!!.

:PDT_Armat

Save our School Committee had met this evening and is really positive. the school has the support of local councillors Peter Millea and Frank Roderick.
A PUBLIC MEETING WILL BE HELD ON 8 FEBRUARY 2006 AT 6.30 AT THE SCHOOL - ALL THE COMMUNITY MUST ATTEND. It is very important that we let the council and Diocesan officials know just how strong our feelings are.

The Committee asks that the whole community, old pupils and teachers etc (however far away you are) writes or preferably e-mails the Liverpool Echo, the Diocese of Liverpool Board of Education, The Royal Family...anyone and everyone.

In the words of Councillor Frank Roderick "THE SCHOOL MUST STAY"!!!.

:PDT_Armat

Thanks for your post ;) welcome, hope to hear more from u. How are you involved with the school?

I'm an old(!) pupil from the 60s and had two kids who went and one still there. One argument is that during the last reprieve 5 years ago, the school's future was dependent on the regeneration of the housing in the area. This has been excrutiatingly slow and, by the council's own admission, has really only just begun. We think that we should be allowed to stay open and reap the benefits of regeneration or the situation would be that the with the increase in population the remaining schools would not be able to cope and - guess what - portakabins or a new school would have to be built. The council cannot see past the end of their nose, but we know that already!!! the really sad thing is the lack of support from the Diocese of Liverpool. As the only Anglican school between Dingle and Woolton, and being 300 years old, you would think they would want to help. However, the silence has been deafening!! There are wider issues here - for instance being a Parish Church left without a Vicar. Of course the congregation of the Parish Church is very supportive, but the power and authority lie with the Bishop and the Diocesan Board of Education. Everyone who can write should write - have your say, get involved - PEOPLE POWER!! (Thanks for the opportunity to rant :PDT_Armat - and to get the point across when nobody elses seems to be listening).

That's what we are here for :p Glad you have brought yourself to the forum ;)

I'm an ex-pupil from the 80's :ninja: Whats these rumours I've heared about backhanders eh?

OOOOh! don't know anything about that one - would be interesting though, wouldn't it? All that good land and a little school stuck in the middle taking up the space......:unibrow: I think we should be told......

I'm an ex-pupil from the 80's :ninja: Whats these rumours I've heared about backhanders eh?
Wash your mouth out, boy! :lol:

I will try to attend the meeting

As many people as possible need to be at the school that night - this affects everyone in the community. All the other schools should be worried as well as in Councillor Clein's words, Garston cannot sustain the number of schools it has now. The other schools in the area have falling numbers as well - not just C of E. However, the other schools cannot take pupils from every year group - so all the kids will be split up. Springwood has the PPI building fiasco to sort out, and of course none of the other schools are Anglican schools, the nearest is Bishop Martin in Woolton.

Put this date in your diary: 8 February 2006 @ 6.30pm
Garston C of E School, Holman Road, Garston.

Sweetpatooti, i will also try to attend the meeting, i will also see howmany family and friends i can get there.

It seems to me that the church is hell bent on selling as much as it can lately so that it can make a lot of money from the regeneration / building that is going on in Garston.:angry: :$ik:

Thanks Garstonlad - we need to be packed to the rafters that night - as many people there as possible to show the Council and the Church what we think of all this. It's the Diocese that are not supporting us - the local parish church are all as angry as we are - Garston CE is the Church Day School so it is very much part of the local church community.

It affects all of the community - not just CE pupils - the implications of this go further - our kids have got to go somewhere after all so all the other schools must have their say as well.

Be there or be square!!!

Just heard that if there is anyone who find its difficult to attend the meeting at the school on 8 February 2006 at 6.30 pm due to lack of transport or who doesn't like to go out at night, there is a bus that will pick people up, free, gratis and for nothing. The bus will take people to the school and back home again. For more details ring the school and ask for a member of the Save our School Committee.

HAVE YOUR SAY - THE SCHOOL MUST STAY

From Garston Focus - LibDems newsletter:

Councillors Frank Roderick, Paula Keaveney and Peter Millea have been working with parents and campaigners to try to keep the school open. Says Frank "THIS SCHOOL IS A LITTLE GEM IN GARSTON. It does have empty places that's true, but I believe that as Garston and the surrounding area grows, there will be more and more families looking for places at primary schools. I would hate us to have a shortage of places in the future".

Have your say on 8 February 2006 at 6.30pm.

It's your history, your heritage and your future - tell the Council what you think!!!

:PDT_Armat

I'll be there - hope I don't forget :p

Dya honestly think I will let anyone forget!!!

Anyways - click on this link and register your views in the new Save Our School Website - also listed are e-mail addresses for the Bishop (I am sure her will love that), the Echo and the lovely Councillor Clein (!):$ik:

Get your letters in folks - don't miss the opportunity to have your views heard.

www.savegarstoncofe.co.uk

I've just registered :p

Nice one, Kev;)

I had a wee drive round the area this mid afternoon but could not see much. Best I have a walk around the place in a day or two.

The save our School Committee had a final meeting tonight before the BIG meeting with the council officers tomorrow. There are many questions for the council to answer. (Like when the council closed St Mary's Cof E they promised that there would always be a C of E school in the Garston area!!). They tend not to keep promises though, do they? However, they will be reminded tomorrow night. Don't forget to log on and log your comments in the forum, and be there tomorrow - don't worry if it is raining - ring the school and get the minibus to pick you up.

Last chance now - 8 February , 6.30pm SAVE OUR SCHOOL!!!!!

www.savegarstoncofe.co.uk

OOOOHeeee...don't want to be too previous but I think the council really got the message tonight at the meeting regarding the closure of Garston C of E. In a packed hall of approximately 300 members of the parents, staff and community of Garston, the council officers had to finally admit that

1. Our school is still financially viable and will continue to be so for at least the next three years (Finance Officer)

2. That the regeneration of Garston is far from complete and that the figures they have differ to the ones provided to the Save our School Committee by (ahem) The Executive Officer for Regeneration, Cllr. Peter Millea.

3. That the infomation they have provided to the Executive Board when the decision was made to proceed to consult on closure - factual information - was in fact "open to interpretation", which I think is council-speak for "wrong".

The officers then went on to say that if there were not enough spaces in Banks Road to accommodate all of our pupils, they would extend the building but could not provide an answer as to at what cost, or why they would close one building down to extend another.

Also reported were Councillor Paul Clein's lamentable comments on the icliverpool website that he is of the personal opinion that the Church should not run schools and that he is in agreement with the disestablishment of the Church of England! (Should a man with such opinions take decisions on which schools should close and which stay open?)

The community of Garston have spoken - ignore them at your peril.
Our faith school much stay!!!!

I was there, turned up thinking I was early, boy was I wrong. It was chocker block. I was as passionate about Garston c of e as any one in there I just didnt choose to stand up and have my say there, obviously peeps had their say 'for the cause' which was fantastic.

One thing I will say though - OFSTED don't mean Sh**e, its the children that matter at the end of the day. I was a pupil in the 80's and enjoyed myself so much it gave me the inspiration to share this fun and enjoyment with others, that inspiration has took me into the job I'm doing today, because of the experiences I had in C of E when I was 10 years of age.

Thank you everyone back then, we had the best footy team back then too.

Cheers for coming along Kev - not everyone got the speak of course cos the "chair" kept passing over people. Thinking about all this and the tram fiasco and Henshaw's big pay off - makes you wonder whose running this whole show doesn't it?

Another point was mentioned - a new Vicar has been appointed to St Mary's - not Garston Parish Church - which leaves the vicarage conveniently at the disposal of the Diocese. They have a short-term tenant in at the moment. I think they know more than they are saying. That is a hugh parcel of land and right next to Liverpool South Parkway - can't find any plans on t'internet - if anyone out there knows anything - pass it on!! (The builders on the station have said that the school is going to be a park and ride car park)

Thanks again - it was brilliant...my daughter will be extremely grateful as will the future kids of Garston:)

Although I live in Garston, not a million miles from young Kev, I was unable to attend because of shift work. I wish you well in your campaign Sweetpatooti.

:)

Sweetpatooti
I was there also last night with my parents and my elder sister. I also had my say.
Although I did arrive late and had to ask the panel why the school was up for closure because the only things that I had heard since I got there were all of the points as to why the school should remain open.

1) The school has 81 pupils and thati s going to rise in Septemeber
2) It has an ofsted ‘notice to improve’ which a lot of schools get
3) It is financially viable for the next 3 years
4) The closure proposal study did not extend further than 4 years which is still well within the local regeneration scope.

It got me thinking when I got home and I realised something, when I stated these points the panel nodded their agreement with me.

SO THEY AGREED WITH WHY THE SCHOOL SHOULD REMAIN OPEN

I also noticed something else as well, when the question was asked whether there had been an offer for the land there was only the diocese representative that stood and said no, the other panel members refused to answer the question.

Let me tell you something, if the school closes this time around, it will become part of the new station that is being built, I will guarantee you that.

Let me also give you a few pointers on the tactics these people will use to stall the campaign, I know this because similar tactics have been used when major points crop up in the local area meetings.

A) A senior figure will not attend certain meetings i.e Paul Clein last night
B) They will try to schedule the meetings at awkward times so not many people from the local area can make it.
C) They will propose that the meetings are held away from the local area.
D) They will come armed with facts and figures (which have more weight this time)
These are sly people you are up against here, you only have to ask the people who live facing the new train station (read my other posts on here)

Keep the campaign going and keep us informed with posts on here and PM’s as well.

Ahh that was you!

Well done - you summed up everything really well and just at the right time when it was all becoming a bit blurred - it really helped to bring it all back into focus.

We are well aware of the deviousness of the council - you are right about Paul Clein - it was the same five years ago when they tried to close us. He made the bullets and then stood back. He did come to the school later that week and met with a few parents with his sidekick Richard Marbrow. They were a laughable double-act even back then - offering Portakabins at Bishop Martin CE School in Woolton to try and shut us up (they would have loved that wouldn't they - Garston kids in the leafy 'burbs!!) The Diocese didn't know about that one.

All you said is true - they arrange the meetings and then decide they cannot attend. All the meetings at the council have been at 8.30 am or 5.30 pm onwards to make it really difficult for a lot of people to attend. We will be keeping a close eye on them - and the Diocese for that matter.

Of course the land is an issue - nobody can deny that if our school were to close it would be snapped up, probably, as you say by Liverpool South Parkway.

All letters of objection must be in to the Council by 21 February. Folks can either e-mail to Garston.Consultations@liverpool.gov.uk, by mail to Garston CE Consultation, Strategic Planning and Regeneration, Children's Services, Municipal Buildings, Dale Street, Liverpool L2 2DH; send letters into the school to be passed on. If know what they want to say but aren't sure how to word it the Save our School Committee will help in drafting letters. Just get in touch. I will take all you have told me back to the Save our School Committee and will keep you updated.

Thanks a bunch my forum friends - power to the mudmen!!

www.savegarstoncofe.co.uk

No problems.

Just to let you know, the bishopslodge email address on your site has, it seems, has either been taken offlilne or is filtering it's emails and bouncing back unrecognised senders.

I have sent letters to Paul Cleins email (which i doubt he will get) and i have also sent a letter in to the Echo.

I will be sending an emailed letter into the garston consultations email address over the weekend.

I can't believe these people are meant to be educated and yet they left the meeting the other night looking like "councillor cocco and chums", these people really don't live in the real world.

Thanks Garstonlad - I have passed that info onto the school and the Committee - someone will look into it see what's going on.

Councillor Coco et al will be at the school next week to see parents who have requested individual meetings - so we hope to give them another grueller!! No info from Cllr Clein as yet:$ik:

Bout time as the police are prettay lazy lately.

Home Secretary Charles Clarke wants Merseyside to merge with Cheshire, meaning the new academy could cater for both forces

Can't say I am in favour of Cheshire and Merseyside merging!

:angry:

A quick update - bishop's e-mail address on school website is now correct - So feel free to fire away! All letters to the Consultation Team must be in by 21 Feb which is next Tuesday. The parents have had personal consultations with the officers from the council this weeks. All officers were very polite and businesslike - in fact some were positively charming (I hope we didn't frighten them):unibrow: Councillor Paul Clein:$ik: who never attends meetings at the school did not show on the night of the consultation, saw fit to reply to a letter written by a concerned member of the public in the Echo. I wonder what made him feel the need to defend his actions in such a public forum?

Will keep you all informed as matters proceed - thanks to you all once again.

GARSTON Docks helped its owner, Associated British Ports, to a 2% profits rise in 2005.

The south Liverpool facility enjoyed a fourth consecutive year of growth with between half a million and 600,000 of tonnage passing through.

Manager Nick Ridehalgh said the situation was improving, despite a difficult year, thanks to long-term deals with blue chip companies.

He added Garston was "fundamental" to the overall profitability of the company, thanks to a lucrative sale of land to a housing developer (http://www.redrow.co.uk/ShowSite.aspx?sid=8122).

Associated, which operates from 21 sites in the UK and employs more than 3,000 people worldwide, said underlying profits rose to £132.3m in 2005. Source (http://icliverpool.icnetwork.co.uk/business/news/tm_objectid=16736870%26method=full%26siteid=50061% 26headline=garston%2dvital%2dto%2dcompany-name_page.html)

Garston C of E has won a reprieve from the Council.

Details are sketchy at the moment but the council's proposal is that the school is to stay open in its present form until August 2007 and then re-open as a multi-faith school - negotiations with the Catholic Archdiocese are to take place.

Unfortunately, with their usual decorum, the council informed the press and media before they informed the school. Therefore, they might not have informed/consulted the other school(s) involved either!!!

Watch this space.................

Good news at last! Fewee :p

Here's the Echo report:

LIVERPOOL'S oldest school was today given an 11th hour reprieve. more (http://icliverpool.icnetwork.co.uk/0100news/0100regionalnews/tm_objectid=16853393%26method=full%26siteid=50061% 26headline=our%2dschool%2ds%2dnot%2dfinished%2d-name_page.html)

:PDT11 :PDT11 :PDT11 :PDT11 :PDT11 :PDT11 :PDT11 :PDT11

CAMPAIGNERS fighting to save Liverpool's oldest school from closure said today they welcome moves to create a joint faith school. more (http://icliverpool.icnetwork.co.uk/0100news/0100regionalnews/tm_objectid=16859444%26method=full%26siteid=50061% 26headline=we%2dsupport%2djoint%2dfaith%2dschool%2 dplan-name_page.html)

In view of the positive outcome of the campaign, the school are re-vamping the prospectus and information leaflet. They are looking for past pupils to give testamonials about the school - what it did for them - what they have gon on to do with their lives, that sort of stuff. If anybody who went to Garston Church of England School in the past would like to contribute - get in touch with the school and leave your details - someone will then contact you to obtain a testimonial from you.

Kev - I know you have done marvelous things with your life - would you like to be our first testimonial????:unibrow: I am sure you could inspire young people!!

Kev - I know you have done marvelous things with your life - would you like to be our first testimonial????:unibrow: I am sure you could inspire young people!!

It would be a pleasure, how do u want it, how long and by when? :p

Fabulous - just a brief outline - when you attended, what you liked, what kind of values you gained from going to the school, what you have gone on to do, professionally that is! As soon as possible - we are trying to get these out quickly in view of all the developments that are going on around us. A pic would be nice as well - your gob could be all around Garston by next week (is anyone chasing you for anything??)

Thanks a lot!!!:) :) :)

I shall have a go, then I will PM u with the final piece that u can edit. I'll choose a pic and attach that too :p

(*Takes a deep breath) Here it goes.......

your a lovely, lovely man:) :)

MUCH-LOVED Bankfield House is to be lost to the community forever as the site is put up for sale. more (http://icliverpool.icnetwork.co.uk/0100news/0100regionalnews/tm_objectid=16873769%26method=full%26siteid=50061% 26headline=bankfield%2dis%2dup%2dfor%2dsale-name_page.html)

THE cost of Liverpool's first-ever showpiece transport hub, South Parkway, has doubled to £32m, the Daily Post can reveal.

The collapse of Railtrack, the rocketing cost of steel, and flooding at the site alongside Allerton Station all conspired to push up the cost.

Last night, Merseytravel, which is building the facility, defended the extra costs for building what it said will be a "world-class gateway to Merseyside".

When the project was originally launched in 2000, it was estimated that the cost would be £16m.

Latest estimates from official government sources say this has escalated to £32,171,00.

More than £6.3m of the cost has come from the public sector - the Government and European Objective 1 funding. The inter-change, built on the site of former football team South Liverpool FC, is due to open in the summer.

Last night, Merseytravel explained why costs had more than doubled.

A spokesman said: "Liverpool South Parkway will be a world-class gateway to Merseyside and it is a totally different proposition from what was originally envisaged when the original funding bid was put together in 2000.

"It will be fully accessible and fully sustainable, meeting the highest quality standards. more (http://icliverpool.icnetwork.co.uk/0100news/0100regionalnews/tm_objectid=16880091%26method=full%26siteid=50061% 26page=2%26headline=cost%2dof%2dliverpool%2drail%2 dhub%2ddoubles%2dto%2d%2d32m-name_page.html)

http://www.yoliverpool.com/photoplog/images/1/large/1_The_Garston_Hotel.jpg

I notice the demolision notices have gone up at long last. Pitty to see it go, but glad to see another derelict site being redevloped in Garston :rolleyes:

Private apartments/ houses going on the land. Any pictures will be gratefully received.

It's realy sad isn't it Kev. I remember it all lit up and gleaming polished brass. It was like an Edwardian palace - and it was big too. There were about four or five rooms that I can remember - singing in the back on a Sunday night, all the old fellas the worse for wear thinking they were Elvis:shock: Happy days....

Just about to upload 30 odd pictures taken today! Just a little taster.

http://www.liverpoolviews.co.uk/south/garhotel/hotel10040622.jpg

It's realy sad isn't it Kev. I remember it all lit up and gleaming polished brass. It was like an Edwardian palace - and it was big too. There were about four or five rooms that I can remember - singing in the back on a Sunday night, all the old fellas the worse for wear thinking they were Elvis:shock: Happy days....

Eh! My mum and dad sang at that Karaoke too! Very sad, cant wait to see the pics Dave ;)

All done!

Garston Hotel pictures. (http://www.liverpoolviews.co.uk/south/garhotel/garhotel.html)

Thanks Dave, glad u got this one too:

http://www.liverpoolviews.co.uk/south/garhotel/hotel1004068.jpg

Seen that design all over Liverpool recently :RAP_1:

This one's spooky:

http://www.liverpoolviews.co.uk/south/garhotel/hotel10040635.jpg

I like that last pic. Immediately had me imagining who the last person to sit on the chair was. :o

It's great isnt it? Howie have you ever seen this site (http://oboylephoto.com/)? The old assylum pics are very spooky.

I never liked history at school (kings, queens, dates, etc.) but I have come to want to understand the history of organisations and institutions that I encounter. Such photographs just make you really want to know their past.

and here's what happens after people move out (see attachment) :

Wonder how long before it gets into the state that the Garston Hotel is in now, Kev?

:PDT_Xtremez_12:

I thought that was still open?

So it got closed down after all! :mad:

Aye! Closed down and by the look of it soon to be burnt down as well!!!

:PDT_Xtremez_42:

Some fellas were boarding the windows up again this avvy :rolleyes: Give it 'till the weekend.

Liverpool South Parkway due to open 11th June :PDT_Piratz_26:

'bout time!!

:Colorz_Grey_PDT_24:

It will be busy but a much needed boost to the regeneration of the area - next stop on the regeneration train, Garston Under The Bridge.

Taken today - 5th May 2006.

http://www.liverpoolviews.co.uk/south/garston/devel/bpark0505061.jpg

5th May 2006.

http://www.liverpoolviews.co.uk/south/garston/devel/bpark0505062.jpg

Last one - 5th May 2006.

http://www.liverpoolviews.co.uk/south/garston/devel/bpark0505063.jpg

Great pics Dave :PDT_Aliboronz_24:

For those not from Garston, 'under the bridge' is a part of Garston down under the railway bridge down by the docks.
There are a number of people on the site from 'under the bridge', what are your earliest memories, what things do you remember about UTB, Do you know any good sites/photos of Garston 1900+ ?

I remember being taken by my dad with my brothers to the barbers just down the alley under the bridge on Banks Road, he was always called 'the pole', I thought for years it was because he had a barbers pole outside, it was years later that I found out that he was called that because he was polish.

John

My memories of Under The Bridge, being in my very early 30's and a child of the late 70's early 80's, it has to be Window Lane, the docks and playing around on what I thought was a footy pitch, which I know was not. Using Bankfield House too for recreational activities. The Cinder Path comes to mind again.

I lived in Garston a couple of years back (Moss Street, of St Mary's Rd) and went for a walk to Speke Retail Park, via GUTB. I can't remember what the road is called, but when you go under the flyover from St Marys it curls around past the church by the gas cylinder and past a school, all the way to a new estate near the old airport(a couple of Brookside-esque streets). I think we came out next to the old fire station and walked to Borders Was a fascinating walk. Also applied at the housing association but was told GUTB residents had priority (fair enough) as the entire estate was being levelled.

Thanks for the replies so far, Bunnyman you walked along Banks Road down to old fire station.
My GF lived on that road in the mid 60s.

Cheers. What's that area like generally? Old Garston was a desolate hole in parts (with enormous potential, mind), but I felt uneasy on that walk. There were quite a few muggers' alleys from what I remember and I walked through with my keys wrapped around my knuckles (In my pockets. Did the same when living in downtown Bootle). Not to say it's a bad area, but it wasn't the most inviting. Is that where the Birdman came down? :confused:

Drove past today, the Garston Hotel was almost gone! Any pics folks? There was a fire last night according to reports.

Drove past today, the Garston Hotel was almost gone! Any pics folks? There was a fire last night according to reports.
"Another one of my memories gone"!! I used to stop and have a quick beer there, on my way up to see a movie at the Lyceum!

Drove past today, the Garston Hotel was almost gone! Any pics folks? There was a fire last night according to reports.

There's a picture of the Garston Hotel in the Liverpool Pictorial web-site.

20th May 2006.

http://www.liverpoolviews.co.uk/south/garhotel/hotel2005062.jpg

20th May 2006.

http://www.liverpoolviews.co.uk/south/garhotel/hotel2005066.jpg

20th May 2006.

http://www.liverpoolviews.co.uk/south/garhotel/hotel20050611.jpg

Now u see it, now u don't. Cheers :celb (23):

Someone done us all a favour there.

20th May 2006 - last one.

http://www.liverpoolviews.co.uk/south/garhotel/hotel20050615.jpg

Opens up the village nicely

Was not a good sky day for picture taking, but I have added the rest of the photos I took here (http://www.liverpoolviews.co.uk/south/garhotel/hotel3.html).

:snf (41):

The Yellow Lamb Banana is moving to Garston - thats official

http://static.flickr.com/62/156698937_1828926d2a_m.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ijob/156698937/)


At the South Liverpool Business Leaders meeting on Thursday Garston Artist Alex Corina presented Council Leader Councillor Warren Bradley with a picture produced to Celebrate Liverpool Capital of Culture. The print Trojan Lamb Banana by artist Chris Vine is one of twelve Chris is working on for the Culture Capital of Culture Collection. The first four can be seen at 33-45 Parr Street.

Alex Corina who has led the campaign for the Lamb Banana to be returned to it's spiritual home asked Councillor Bradley when is it coming home to Garston?

Councillor Bradley responded I think it's a great idea. I will go away and work on it with colleagues. We recently moved the Yellow Submarine to John Lennon airport. Garston will be the first, lets move it around the city so communities can benefit from what has become a city icon. I remember when the Lamb Banana first appeared people hated it and complained. If you tried to take it away now there would be a public outcry.
Professor John Ashton Director of Public Health for the North West and supporter of the campaign said, It's fantastic, Garston would make a perfect home for the lamb banana� explaining “that the ship owner Sir Alfred Lewis Jones responsible, was a pioneer who not only imported and popularised the banana as a nutritional source of food for the working classes but was a founder of the school of tropical medicine in 1899 and also gave his name to the hospital in Garston.�
Alex Corina commented I was surprised, its great news. The Yellow Lamb Banana has become an icon representing Garston and Liverpool's heritage of exporting lambs and importing bananas that combines both with humour. The other link is that not only was Garston docks the route for exporting importing, but that the sculpture was made in Garston at the old Bryant and May Factory.
The Tale of the Trojan Lamb Banana

I hope you enjoy the story

'The Trojan Lamb Banana has been wheeled into the City of
Liverpool and placed on St. George's 'Greek Plateau'. Like the Trojan
Horse it stands and waits.

In the dead of night the clocks of the Liver Building are twinkling and
the people of Liverpool are fast asleep. All of a sudden a yellow door
on the side of the Lamb Banana opens; a red ladder is pushed out and a bunch
of scaled-down copies of itself are released among the Corinthian and Ionic
columns of the Walker Gallery and St. George's Hall.

The frisky little lambs take a quick sniff around and, with much bleating
and excitement, disperse to create as much artistic havoc as is
possible throughout the City of Liverpool.

A Limited Edition of prints of this painting are available. For further information printsatartworks@aol.com (http://uk.f257.mail.yahoo.com/ym/Compose?To=printsatartworks@aol.com) or phone 0776 338 8509

Wonder where they would put it, Kev??

Old Garston Hotel :celb (23):lol

LIVERPOOL'S wandering Superlambanana could be on the move again, this time to what campaigners are calling its "spiritual home" in Garston.

The giant yellow sculpture, completed by Japanese artist Taro Chiezo in 1998 at a cost of £35,000, has moved to a number of city sites including Williamson Square and Wapping near the waterfront on its travels.

Its current home is outside the JMU building on Tithebarn Street, in the city centre.

Next stop, however, could be Garston.

Speaking at a meeting of south Liverpool business leaders in Speke, council leader Warren Bradley pledged that Garston would be the next place to have the Superlambanana.

He said: "I think it's a great idea. We recently moved the Yellow Submarine to John Lennon airport in Speke, so Garston could have the lambanana."

Cllr Bradley is following in the footsteps of his predecessor, Cllr Mike Storey, who said that it was always the intention that the work should be moved around the city for the benefit of all the community.

Cllr Bradley's remarks came at the meeting as he was given a print of Chris Vine's witty creation the Trojan Lamb Banana, which plays host to a number of smaller lambananas. It was presented by fellow artist Alex Corina who is also co-ordinator of the Garston Cultural Village campaign which has been pushing for Garston to be the sculpture's next home.

Mr Corina said: "It's great news. "The Superlambanana has become an icon representing Garston and Liverpool's heritage of exporting lambs and importing bananas that combines both with humour. The other link is that not only was Garston docks the route for exporting lambs and importing bananas, but that the sculpture was made in Garston at the old Bryant and May factory".

Another campaigner for Garston is Professor John Ashton, Woolton-born director of Public Health for the North West.

Prof Ashton said: "Garston would make a perfect home for the lambanana.

The local ship owner Sir Alfred Lewis Jones was a pioneer who not only imported and popularised the banana as a nutritional source of food for the working classes but was a founder of the School of Tropical Medicine in 1899 and also gave his name to the hospital in Garston."

The presentation followed the announcement of the results of a local referendum by the campaigners as to three potential sites where the sculpture should be sited in the area.

mikechapple@dailypost.co.uk

Merseyside’s newest transport interchange, Liverpool South Parkway opens its doors to travellers and commuters this week.

The £32 million transport hub will open on Sunday June 11th. The interchange is Merseytravel’s biggest project, and links bus and rail with Liverpool John Lennon Airport.

The new interchange is designed to be eco-friendly with a sloping roof that collects and recycles rainwater, and a wall fitted with solar panels to contribute towards the buildings energy needs.

The new building joins together the two stations of Allerton and Garston with a bus station and taxi rank. High frequency shuttle buses will run to nearby Liverpool John Lennon Airport. Merseyrail Northern line services will stop at the station as well as half hourly services to Manchester Oxford Road and Lime Street. There will also be hourly services to Crewe and Birmingham. Services to Sheffield and the East Midlands are expected to start later this year.

The environmentally friendly station has already won awards for its design and building techniques. Liverpool South Parkway was named national champion in the transport and freight category of the Green Apple Awards.

Merseytravel Chief Executive Neil Scales who was also the engineer in charge says the new hub was an innovative project “Liverpool South Parkway is a state of the art interchange that is breaking new ground not just nationally but internationally. It is unique, fit for purpose and is pioneering new forms of sustainability in transport infrastructure.

“We’re justifiably proud of what we have achieved at Liverpool South Parkway. We’ve set a standard which has now been recognised nationally and one we hope that others within the transport industry and elsewhere will emulate.”

David Finnegan Merseytravel’s Access Officer, himself a wheelchair user, has worked on the project ensuring that there are detailed access features incorporated in to the design. These include easy access doors, colour contrast design features to assist people with low vision, variable height ticket counters, accessible W.C’s and induction loop systems for people with impaired hearing.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/liverpool/content/images/2006/06/07/southpark_gallery_001_470x336.jpg

http://www.bbc.co.uk/liverpool/content/images/2006/06/07/southpark_gallery_004_470x336.jpg

Kev do you know when the 'old' Garston station is closing please? I MUST get some pictures of that old station!!!!

Kev do you know when the 'old' Garston station is closing please? I MUST get some pictures of that old station!!!!

nope but I thought exactly the same - i'd get down there quick. the old house on the platform needs a pic or two.

I shall go to work on the train on the morrow morning.

:celb (23):

I shall go to work on the train on the morrow morning.

:celb (23):

http://linux.tc3net.com/darwin/80s/adverts/80s_advert-InterCity_with_Jimmy_Saville.jpg (http://linux.tc3net.com/darwin/80s/adverts/80s_advert-InterCity_with_Jimmy_Saville.avi)

Some more details:

There will be 4 trains per hour from Liverpool, 2 tph from Manchester and 1 tph from Birmingham.

From December '06 there will be the above frequency plus (subject to negotiation) 1 tph from Scarborough (tbc) via York, Leeds and Manchester plus more trains to Liverpool via the City Line (the Allerton Arrow) and one to the Midlands (the present Norwich service, which will probably now terminate at Nottingham).

Virgin will not stop at LSP in the short to medium term. This is because they don't anticipate sufficient business passengers will want to use their inter-city service and the platforms are too short to accommodate a full Pendolino train (due to the Allerton Road bridge at one end and a junction at the other).

The station will have six platforms, (4 on the City Line and 2 on the Northern Line), 5 bus stands, 4 taxi stands, 240 car parking spaces (with provision for a deck to increase capacity), 37 cycle stands and a kiss and ride drop off point.

The station will be staffed from 05:50 to 00:33 (first and last train) on Monday to Saturday and for a shorter time on Sunday. There will be seven lifts, toilets and screens showing LJLA flight information.

The bus shuttle to LJLA will be provided by services 80A and 86A. These will have traffic light priority on route to the airport and will take around ten minutes for the journey. Several other bus routes will serve the station. There will be through ticketing on most popular routes.

Architecturally, the station has been much influenced by the style of the new airport terminal. It is setting a new standard for ecological design with use of recycled aluminium (old beer cans), rainwater harvesting, residual heat radiating (using the thermal mass of the building to both heat and cool it), high value insulation and geothermal energy from a hole drilled deep into the rock beneath the station.

The station will pioneer a new retail facility, which is an idea imported by the Dutch owners of Merseyrail. It will be called M to Go and will be a combination shop and ticket office with the shop staff also selling tickets. Merseyrail want to extend this idea over all the network and will be opening other M to Go shops at Moorfields, Maghull, Hamilton Square and Hooton.

Some other network plans were discussed. There are plans both to increase frequencies and extend the network. The existing trains are now getting on for 30 years old and replacement will be required in about eight years time. Also, projected passenger increases will mean that more trains are required.

Due to the tight curves in the tunnels, the trains may be replaced with ones more similar to the London Underground stock.

There is a plan to increase frequencies on the Chester line to one every 15 minutes, as on most Merseyrail branches, and extension of the electrification from Bidston to Wrexham is almost definite to go ahead and is in the Local Transport Plan for 2011. It will probably be carried out in stages, similar to the electrification of the Rock Ferry to Chester / Ellesmere Port line in the 80s.

Many Thanks Kev, for the story re the South Parkway, Having lived in the area of Horrock Ave/Springwood Ave upto 1963, my wife and I find it hard to imagine what that area looks like now! Hope either yourself or AD Williams will be able to supply more photo's later, It really helps us keep in touch, and is most appreciated, Thanks to All, Norm G.

Many Thanks Kev, for the story re the South Parkway, Having lived in the area of Horrock Ave/Springwood Ave upto 1963, my wife and I find it hard to imagine what that area looks like now! Hope either yourself or AD Williams will be able to supply more photo's later, It really helps us keep in touch, and is most appreciated, Thanks to All, Norm G.

:PDT_Piratz_26::PDT_Aliboronz_11:

Kev do you know when the 'old' Garston station is closing please? I MUST get some pictures of that old station!!!!

Is that the station with the house type thing goes over the tracks if you know what I mean?

Is that the station with the house type thing goes over the tracks if you know what I mean?

Nope, the house runs alongside the platform, front door and front windows.

Nope, the house runs alongside the platform, front door and front windows.

I must have dreamt it then.:shock:

ANGRY families have been fenced off behind an eight-foot barrier while the rest of their community is bulldozed.

Developers have moved into Garston's Under The Bridge estate to start pulling down swathes of crumbling terraces.

But the neighbourhood's Ship Streets - where just 12 households are still occupied - will not be demolished just yet.

Instead, they have been fenced off on three sides while neighbouring roads are reduced to rubble.

They today issued a desperate plea to be rehoused.

Barbara Stanley, 64, has lived in Ultonia Street for more than 50 years.

She said: "We have been boarded in. They need to get us out of here quickly.

"There are now just 12 families left - everywhere else is empty and we keep having to call the fire brigade out.

"It is not very nice looking out of your window, and the fence means there is only one way out now."

Edith Murphy, who lives in Carpathia Street with her husband John and two children, added: " They have started demolishing some streets but we are left in alittle square here.

"We did not want to leave in the first place - everyone had grown up and raised families around here.

"The houses we are being offered instead are just not worth taking."

Garston MP Maria Eagle is campaigning on residents' behalf.

She said: "Ship Street residents were told seven years ago that their homes would be among the first to be dealt with.

Now everything around them is coming down and only they are left. They are fenced in on three sides - itisnot much better than the Berlin Wall."

The council approved the £50m, seven- year plan to replace terraced streets with 310 new homes, including 120 rented properties, in 2004.

South Liverpool Housing is responsible for moving out the last 12 households.

A spokesman said: "We are working to rehouse them as quickly as possible.

"The Ship Streets are an integral part of the development and all properties in the area will be demolished so that the scheme can progress.

"The area now fenced off is a construction site, in the ownership of our development partner Lovell. They have enclosed the site to protect the public. The relevant roads have been formally closed.

"All residents were fully consulted over the road closures and informed of the erection of fencing through a newsletter.

"Demolition has been accelerated and acontractor is on site at present."

I went under the bridge today, went to St Michaels Church, went down Banks Road, I could n't believe whole blocks of houses gone, the Garston I remember seems to have just disappeared.

I went under the bridge today, went to St Michaels Church, went down Banks Road, I could n't believe whole blocks of houses gone, the Garston I remember seems to have just disappeared.

Is right John - its been static for years under the bridge and has been in slow decline since I knocked around round there. The shops opposite St. Michaels need demolishing asap. The community have done really well putting up with it al, could be a lot worse but its not in comparison to other deprived areas. Garston still retains its close knit feel.

Saturday 10th June 2006.

http://www.liverpoolviews.co.uk/south/garston/lsp1006061.jpg

Saturday 10th June 2006.

http://www.liverpoolviews.co.uk/south/garston/lsp1006062.jpg

Saturday 10th June 2006.

http://www.liverpoolviews.co.uk/south/garston/lsp1006063.jpg

Saturday 10th June 2006.

http://www.liverpoolviews.co.uk/south/garston/lsp1006064.jpg

Saturday 10th June 2006.

http://www.liverpoolviews.co.uk/south/garston/lsp1006065.jpg

Councillor Mark Dowd, Chair of Merseytravel, said: "Liverpool South Parkway is the most modern station in Europe and will be a great asset to the people of Merseyside and beyond, linking them to the airport and job opportunities. We are delighted to have reached this major milestone."

Took a trip this morning, very impressive and does resemble an airport terminal.

However, they still have lots of work to do. Very happy to see the original football stadium wall with 'South Liverpool FC' still on :PDT_Piratz_26:.

*Panoramic views of Liverpool South Parkway (http://www.bbc.co.uk/liverpool/in_pictures/360_panoramas/liverpool_south_parkway/index.shtml)

*In Pictures - See inside Liverpool South Parkway (http://www.bbc.co.uk/liverpool/content/image_galleries/southliverpool_parkway_gallery.shtml)

The children from Garston C of E went to the station this morning to see the very first train to stop. Took some pics and the staff were very helpful - as you say quite a bit of landscaping etc to complete but it is looking good.

http://static.flickr.com/65/164939703_c167dc10d7.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ijob/164939703/)

My grandad used to stand there watching the footy.

http://static.flickr.com/65/164939703_c167dc10d7.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ijob/164939703/)

Hurrah! I was about to post a similar picture I just took! I post others instead!

:Colorz_Grey_PDT_16:

The rear of the new station. The car park is nice and big.

http://www.liverpoolviews.co.uk/south/garston/lsp1106061.jpg

The front entrance.

http://www.liverpoolviews.co.uk/south/garston/lsp1106062.jpg

Information board.

http://www.liverpoolviews.co.uk/south/garston/lsp1106064.jpg

Little solar panels on the windows.

http://www.liverpoolviews.co.uk/south/garston/lsp1106065.jpg

Those solar pannels are cool - the station is something we can all be proud of.

From the walkway to the City Line you can see the steeples/towers of seven churches, All Souls, All Hallows, Mossley Hill, The Anglican Cathedral, St Francis of Assisi and the two chapels in Springwood Cemetary - the old hangars and control tower of the airport are visible and the new printing place down by the shore - you can see right over the water to the Welsh hills - it was lovely there today - a bit hot though.

I reckon I could get used to this place.

:celb (23):

Just realised how sad I have become:Smiliz_Kingz_PDT_13

From the walkway to the City Line you can see the steeples/towers of seven churches, All Souls, All Hallows, Mossley Hill, The Anglican Cathedral, St Francis of Assisi and the two chapels in Springwood Cemetary - the old hangars and control tower of the airport are visible and the new printing place down by the shore - you can see right over the water to the Welsh hills - it was lovely there today - a bit hot though.

Take a picture next time and share :Colorz_Grey_PDT_16:

From the walkway to the City Line you can see the steeples/towers of seven churches, All Souls, All Hallows, Mossley Hill, The Anglican Cathedral, St Francis of Assisi and the two chapels in Springwood Cemetary - the old hangars and control tower of the airport are visible and the new printing place down by the shore - you can see right over the water to the Welsh hills - it was lovely there today - a bit hot though.

Oh! I shall remember that and endeavor to get a picture!

:celb (6):

No good picture taking and dont know how to do the down/upload thingyo - I would probably cut the tops of the churches out of the picture....need a panoramic thingy to do it justice - but go along and count them - see if you can pick out anything else.

No good picture taking .....

Doesn't stop me posting my pictures on here!!!

:Colorz_Grey_PDT_16:

LIVERPOOL'S new £32m rail and bus interchange had a low-key opening yesterday morning, with just a handful of passengers on the first train out of Liverpool South Parkway. more (http://icliverpool.icnetwork.co.uk/0100news/0100regionalnews/tm_objectid=17215223%26method=full%26siteid=50061% 26headline=all%2dsystems%2dgo%2d%2din%2dlow%2dkey% 2dlaunch%2dof%2drail%2dinterchange-name_page.html)

LIVERPOOL'S new £32m rail and bus interchange had a low-key opening yesterday morning, with just a handful of passengers on the first train out of Liverpool South Parkway. more (http://icliverpool.icnetwork.co.uk/0100news/0100regionalnews/tm_objectid=17215223%26method=full%26siteid=50061% 26headline=all%2dsystems%2dgo%2d%2din%2dlow%2dkey% 2dlaunch%2dof%2drail%2dinterchange-name_page.html)

When I had a look around at about 7pm on sunday it was nearly empty, Kev. I am going to start using it full time this friday morning.

:celb (23):

I have added all the pictures I took of Garston this weekend at Garston Station (http://www.liverpoolviews.co.uk/south/garstat/garstat.html) and Liverpool South Parkway (http://www.liverpoolviews.co.uk/south/lsp/lsp.html).

I do enjoy a bike down to Garston sometimes though.

Alot of run down parts around there too though.:PDT_Xtremez_12:

Interesting reading - Liverpool South Parkway railway station from Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liverpool_South_Parkway_railway_station).

Interesting reading - Liverpool South Parkway railway station from Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liverpool_South_Parkway_railway_station).

Wikipedia amazes me.

ANGLICAN and Catholic schools will be joined together under one headteacher in south Liverpool, church officials will announce today.

Three schools in the Garston area, which have struggled to stay open in the face of declining numbers, will join together under one of two models.

Staff at Garston Church of England Primary, Liverpool's oldest school, Holy Trinity and St Francis of Assisi schools were last night celebrating the deal.

"We are relieved," said Garston CE Primary's headteacher, Rick Widdowson.

"Now that it has been brought out in the open, it will be for the governing boards to get together and decide what they want to do." Staff at the three schools went into secret meetings yesterday to be told the news ahead of today's official announcement.

Under option one of the plan, Garston CE will stay open but one of the two Catholic schools will go. The Daily Post understands Holy Trinity is thought to be the more likely to stay open.

The schools would be federated, meaning they were still two schools, but run by a single head teacher and board of governors under one budget.

Religious character would not change and, if regeneration brought new people to the area, the schools would have the option to break their links.

Option two would create a joint C of E and Catholic school with a new name, but on two sites. If money was available in the future, a new headquarters could be built for what would be the fourth joint faith school in Liverpool.

Governing bodies have been given until November to decide which choice they prefer.

In a joint statement, The Bishop of Warrington, the Rt Rev David Jennings and schools vicar Father Michael O'Dowd said: "Either of the proposed options presents an exciting way forward, that will help secure the long term future of Church of England and Catholic education in the Garston area.

"This will build on the good working relationships that the Garston churches already have in an area that in the past suffered from sectarian division. We would encourage all those involved in discussions during the next few months to do so in a spirit of partnership and openness that characterises the best ecumenical relationships."

Garston Primary has just 80 pupils, but places for 175, while nearby St Francis of Assisi has 121 children but places for another 50.

Until a few months ago, Garston Primary had thought it was going to close at the end of this term.

But in March it was given a last minute reprieve, guaranteeing the 300-year-old school would stay open for another school year.

The Archdiocese and Diocese have been in talks with the council since 2005 over their schools' future.

adrian.butler@liverpool.com

The Action Group of Garston C of E School are happy with the proposal as we understand it, to federate the Anglican and Catholic schools, which was put forward by the Diocese and Archdiocese. Both schools will retain their own religious character and remain on two sites. There will be one headteacher to manage both sites.

Our thoughts are with the Catholic community who will be losing one of their schools in the area. We feel this is the middle way and offers provision for both Anglican and Catholic education in Garston. This way we can help each other to give all of our children the education they deserve and that their parents have chosen for them.

HUNDREDS of jobs are set to be created by turning Garston into a cultural village.

Campaigners have drawn up a business plan to present to the city council in a bid to transform the Wellington Street school into a community arts and education centre.

The proposals - which could help create 250 jobs for the area - were unveiled at apublic meeting last night.

Plans for a 'Made in Garston' project utilising a row of empty shops in St Mary's Road were also outlined.

Jimmy McGovern, Dean Sullivan, Rita Tushingham and Mike McCartney are among supporters of the Garston Cultural Village Campaign.

Campaigners maintain the area, which they claim has become 'the land that time forgot', could be successfully regenerated through the arts in the run up to Capital of Culture.

Artist Alex Corina, who is behind the drive, hopes the refurbished school would become a permanent home to Garston's Artskills Community Arts project, Art Start managed studio spaces and an artists' employment initiative.

He said: "We've reached the key point in our cultural village campaign which has been running for two years. The council is going to be considering what to do with the properties. We've made abid for the school.

"The whole project would be viable and self-financing. It's big enough in terms of affordable rents and the amount of interest we've had from dozens of creative businesses.

"The proposed Art Start project would help artists get their careers moving by providing affordable studio, workshop and office space within the old school building. It's location would also provide a natural bridge between artists and the education sector."

Made in Garston would develop a craft-based souvenir industry.

In the last 12 months, more than 25 artists have been employed in Garston.

An art skills project is currently running with 10 Garston schools, and anumber of arts workshops have been held for local residents.

CAMPAIGNERS fighting to save Garston CofE primary school today said they wanted it to stand on its own two feet. more (http://icliverpool.icnetwork.co.uk/0100news/0100regionalnews/tm_objectid=17236069%26method=full%26siteid=50061% 26headline=please%2dlet%2dus%2dgo%2dsolo-name_page.html)

As usual the Echo has got it wrong again. Nobody has said Garston CE wants to "go it alone" - this is completely made up. Under the two options given to the School Governors - (1) of a joint-faith school or (2) of a federation with the amalgamated School formed from St Francis of Assisi and HolyTrinity, option (2) for federation is preferred by the Governors and action group - this information has been quite clearly passed on to the Echo. Under the option for federation either of the schools could chose to leave the federation should they find themselves in a stronger position in the future. This would be with the agreement of the other school.

Garston CE and the Catholic school will both keep their own sites and their own religious character but will be run by one headteacher.

It is not helpful to the community at such a sensitive and upsetting time to put stumbling blocks in the way in the form of misinformation. The Echo has been contacted by the headteacher of Garston CE and will be publishing a retraction tomorrow.

I have added all the pictures I took of Garston this weekend at Garston Station (http://www.liverpoolviews.co.uk/south/garstat/garstat.html) and Liverpool South Parkway (http://www.liverpoolviews.co.uk/south/lsp/lsp.html).
"Many Thanks" AD, It's very much appreciated by we 'Ex Pats' at the other side of the world! Norm G.